My brother Colton Smith recently moved to Houston and was looking for a teaching position while still working for his longtime employer Pappadeaux. A couple of weeks ago, he went to a clinic, where he was told he did not have CoVid but instead Flu Type B. Tamiflu meds did not help and his condition worsened. On Monday, May 18th, he went to the hospital and was admitted to the ICU because his oxygen level was at 40%. With an oxygen mask, his oxygen level stayed in the 90 - 95% range, but off of it, it would dip low again. Prone therapy was begun. At some point, the oxygen being used had to increase from 70% oxygen to 100% oxygen. Fluid had built up in his lungs, so pneumonia is also in the equation. The ventilator was recommended, and at some point late the night of the 27th or early the morning of the 28th, Colton was put on a ventilator. However, his doctors worried that too much pressure was being put on the lungs which could cause the lungs to collapse, so tubes have been placed in the chest wall through to the lungs to relieve the lungs of both fluid and the excess pressure from the ventilators. Colton is sedated and on antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and steroids. He also has a feeding tube.

Clearly, Colton has a long recovery ahead of him. We are thinking positive, but it would be nice for him to not have to worry about bills whenever he is in recovery. I do not know the amount needed as of yet, but he has a high deductible insurance, so I am starting the goal amount at $25,000 as a conservative estimate based on his healthcare coverage and that he has been in the ICU for 10 days so far.

Thank you so much for any and all contributions to his care! Colton tends to be fiercely independent, but there are times in our lives when we need the help of others. All prayers, positive thoughts, good vibes, and well-wishes also appreciated!